UNC women's lacrosse opens up ACC play with 10-6 road victory over Virginia Tech

In its first ACC matchup of the season, the No. 1 North Carolina women’s lacrosse team dominated Virginia Tech on Friday night, winning 10-6 in Blacksburg, Va.

What happened?

North Carolina got on the board first after junior midfielder Sophie Student – a transfer from Virginia Tech – found the bottom left corner of the goal just under three minutes into the game. The Hokies had some good looks and second-chance opportunities, but could not connect on the next two possessions. Swift ball movement on the Tar Heels’ end gave junior attacker Caitlyn Wurzburger a look up the middle to senior midfielder Nicole Humphrey, who put it in the net to give UNC a 2-0 lead. Just over a minute later, junior Reilly Casey had a similar look from behind the cage to assist first-year Marissa White coming down the center for a goal.

Two goals in the final two minutes of the first quarter gave the Tar Heels an easy 5-0 lead heading into the second. Not even a minute in, Olivia Dirks – who had been out for UNC’s first three games due to an injury –  scored on her first touch of the season. 

Virginia Tech recorded its first goal after first-year Lauren Render found a low angle to put the ball narrowly past UNC’s keeper. The Hokies tallied another with under two minutes in the half to cut UNC’s lead down to 7-2.

The Tar Heels commanded the third quarter. Wurzburger opened the second half with a quick goal after an impressive spin move off her defender. Junior midfielder Alyssa Long was able to give their Tar Heels their first finish off a free position shot, putting them up seven, and Wurzburger extended this lead to eight after scoring her third of the night.

Virginia Tech flipped a switch in the fourth quarter. The Hokies inched a goal in at the very start of the quarter; riding the momentum, Virginia Tech’s Olivia Vergano nailed the top right corner just two minutes later to cut UNC’s lead to six. Vergano found the net twice more for a hattrick, giving the Hokies fourth consecutive goals.

Virginia Tech held UNC scoreless in the fourth quarter, but could not find the offensive spark needed to achieve the herculean comeback. UNC finished victorious, 10-6.

Who stood out? 

While the Tar Heels had several players step up, Casey was a strong initiator Friday, tallying four assists. Wurzburger also had strong off-ball movement and found openings to create opportunities for her teammates and herself, recording two assists and a hat trick that included two goals in the third quarter.  

When was it decided?

Trailing by five at halftime, the Hokies had a feasible but treacherous task ahead. The Hokies hammered four consecutive goals in the fourth quarter, but it was too late; UNC’s first quarter 5-0 run and third quarter 3-0 performance allowed the Tar Heels to maintain a steady lead to carry them to the finish.

Why does it matter?

After recording wins against the No. 12 and No. 7 teams in the nation, the Tar Heels entered Friday’s game looking for a conference win. With two of the next four games being top-five matchups, including No. 2 Boston College and No. 4 Northwestern, UNC’s resounding victory Friday substantiates its No. 1 spot in the rankings as it prepares to face some tough opponents.

The Tar Heels had seven different players get on the board, indicating their depth and ability to find pockets in the defense and create scoring opportunities. After losing key attackers from last season, this depth will play a crucial role moving forward as the Tar Heels face top-ranked opponents.

When do they play next?

UNC will continue ACC play with its matchup against Boston College on Friday, March 3 at 4 p.m. in Chapel Hill.

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